Five-Year Plan Would Raise Water Bills Every Year Starting in 2026

Public Hearing Set for November, residents can submit written protests

(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Simi Valley water customers served by Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 may see their bills rise beginning in 2026, but no decision has been made yet. The City Council voted recently to begin the legal process that lets residents weigh in before any change takes effect.

The proposal calls for a 3.5 percent increase each year for five years. City staff say the money is needed to cover rising operational costs, the cost of buying imported water, and to maintain aging infrastructure like pipes, pump stations, and facilities. About 61 percent of the city’s water budget now goes toward purchasing water from Calleguas Municipal Water District.

Public Works Director Ron Fuiwaki told the council that more than $35 million in capital improvement projects are planned over the next few years, and construction costs have jumped significantly since 2020. Even so, he said inflation and rising water purchase costs—not just construction expenses—are driving the need for the rate increase.

Some councilmembers had questions about whether now is the right time. Councilmember Elaine Litster said she was reassured after staff showed that the long-planned projects are now moving forward and that funds are not just sitting idle. Councilmember Joseph Ayala raised concerns about adding new costs when customers are already paying pass-through increases from Calleguas, and he voted against moving the proposal forward.

The council’s vote did not approve the rate hike itself. Instead, it set in motion the Proposition 218 process, which requires the city to mail notices to property owners about the proposed rates and to hold a public hearing. Notices are to be mailed by the end of September.

Under Proposition 218, residents may submit written protests. If more than half of the affected property owners (or eligible ratepayers) protest, the city is not allowed to adopt the proposed increase. If the protests do not reach that level, the council can still decide whether to approve the hike, approve a smaller increase, delay, or reject it.

The public hearing is scheduled for November 17, 2025, when the council will make the final decision. There will also be a community meeting on October 7 from 6 to 7 p.m. at City Hall to explain the proposal and answer questions.

This change affects customers of Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8. Simi Valley is served by two water suppliers: Ventura County Waterworks District No. 8 (which covers about 60 percent of the city) and Golden State Water Company (serving the remaining roughly 40 percent).

For more information, residents can visit www.simivalley.org/PublicWorks or call (805) 583-6893.